Georgiana had slipped her hand into Elizabeth’s and stood wide-eyed as her elders teased and chatted.
Richard said, “Come, let us have this done. Mother shall soon begin wondering where you have disappeared to, Darcy.”
They all turned when two more carriages arrived bearing the Beaumonts and the Gardiners.
All the family entered the church and settled into the front pews. When Richard took his place beside his cousin, Elizabeth looked upon them, two tall, dark-haired gentlemen, as alike as any brothers. And brothers, they truly were, she decided. They stood at one another’s backs in everything.
Then the vicar opened the Book of Common Prayer and began the service. His voice filled the church.
“Dearly beloved, we are gathered together here in the sight of God, and in the face of this congregation, to join together this Man and this Woman in holy Matrimony…”
When the moment arrived for Mr. Darcy to speak his vows, he faced Elizabeth and took her hands.
“Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy, wilt thou have this Woman to thy wedded Wife, to live together after God's ordinance in the holyestate of Matrimony? Wilt thou love her, comfort her, honor, and keep her in sickness and in health; and, forsaking all others, keep thee only unto her, so long as you both do live?”
His expression was earnest, his eyes fixed upon hers.
“I will.”
The vicar turned to her.
“Miss Elizabeth Bennet, wilt thou have this Man to thy wedded Husband, to live together after God's ordinance in the holy estate of Matrimony? Wilt thou obey him, and serve him, love, honor, and keep him in sickness and in health; and, forsaking all others, keep thee only unto him, so long as you both do live?”
She pressed his hands, his strong, warm fingers clasped about her own.
“I will.”
At last, the moment arrived when Mr. Darcy placed the ring upon her finger, and his resonant voice filled the church.
“With this ring I thee wed, with my body I thee worship, and with all my worldly goods I thee endow.”
The vicar then took their hands and said, “Those whom God hath joined together let no man put asunder.”
The service was over. She was now a married woman. She was now the wife of the striking, tall gentleman who held her hands within his own.
He laughed, and she smiled.
Married at last.
Their family surrounded them with congratulations, embraces, and, in Darcy’s case, vigorous claps upon the back. The lines were entered into the marriage register, and afterward they all departed for Darcy House.
Mr. Darcy had arranged a modest wedding breakfast. His Aunt Helen had been invited, though she had not been informed of the occasion that had brought her there.
Elizabeth took one look at the elegant spread laid before them and turned to her husband. “You have surpassed yourself, sir.”
He laughed. “I had only to plan it, Elizabeth. Mrs. Nichols and Cook put it all together beginning last night. Wishing to please you, we were all highly motivated.”
When Lady Helen entered, surprise lit her face at the sight of the little gathering assembled within the dining room. Darcy handed her a glass of champagne.
Grinning, he said, “Aunt, you must offer me your congratulations. I was married this morning.”
He looked about the room and motioned Elizabeth to his side. Once she stood beside him, he lifted her hand to display the ring.
“Why, so you were, Fitzwilliam. I imagine you finally made use of the marriage license you have carried about in your pocket.”
“Yes, my lady. The marriage settlements were signed in November when the Beaumonts married.”
Lady Helen turned to Elizabeth. “You are a credit to your husband, Elizabeth, and to our family. I gladly welcome you amongst us.”
